News

Children and families across our region will again benefit from funding through this year’s Good Friday Appeal, helping strengthen paediatric care at Albury Wodonga Health and across the Hume Local Health Service Network.

As part of the 2026 Good Friday Appeal regional funding program, announced on Monday 9 February, more than 30 health services across regional Victoria and southern NSW will share in $3 million in community-raised funding.

The funding will support local health services to deliver more care closer to home, helping children access the specialist care they need, when they need it.

Albury Wodonga Health’s part of the regional investment includes targeted funding across multiple years to enhance local services:

• 2026–27: $600,000 for projects across the Hume LHSN’s geographic region.
• 2027–28: $100,000 for year two of AWH’s multi-year initiative.
• 2028–29: $100,000 for year three of the initiative. 

Albury Wodonga Health CEO Bill Appleby said the funding would make a meaningful difference for children and families across the region by strengthening outpatient services and investing in staff training.

“We are deeply grateful to the Good Friday Appeal for allocating funding to our region, and to the local fundraisers whose incredible efforts make this support possible,” Mr Appleby said.

“This funding enables us to upskill our staff, invest in critical equipment, implement innovative models of care, and expand outpatient services, helping to address gaps in regional paediatric care and allowing families to access the care they need, closer to home."

The investment recognises the importance of strengthening regional health services and ensuring children and young people can receive specialist care without needing to travel long distances.

These funds build on the community’s exceptional support for the Good Friday Appeal, which in previous years helped AWH purchase vital paediatric equipment such as a neonatal transport cot and paediatric echocardiogram machine, and establish programs like Paediatrics at the Child’s Home (PaTCH) to support care in the family environment. 

“Children and families in regional areas deserve access to the same quality of care as those in metropolitan centres. Support from the Good Friday Appeal allows us to close gaps in access, strengthen local services and reduce the need for families to travel long distances for care,” said Julie Wright, Director of Midwifery and Nursing, Women’s and Children’s Services, AWH.

Linda Hudec, Chief Operating Officer, AWH, said: “This investment allows us to build the capability of our paediatric workforce and expand services that respond to the real needs of our community. By supporting staff training, equipment and new models of care, we can provide more specialised care locally and improve outcomes for children and families.”

A heartfelt thank you to our community

The Good Friday Appeal is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to support children’s health.

Albury Wodonga Health extends its sincere thanks to the Good Friday Appeal, the Royal Children's Hospital and the RCH Foundation for their continued commitment to improving paediatric care for regional communities.

We also thank the many local volunteers, fundraisers, donors and supporters whose incredible efforts help make this funding possible each year. From community events and tin-rattling to individual acts of generosity, every contribution plays a part in strengthening paediatric services at Albury Wodonga Health.

Get behind the Good Friday Appeal this year and help support children and families across our region!